Rebuilding Baltimore’s collapsed Key Bridge could take years and cost at least $400 million, experts say | pbs.org
The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge has sparked a flurry of discussions among experts about the timeline and cost of rebuilding it. With estimates ranging from 18 months to several years and costs potentially hitting the billion-dollar mark, the task ahead is monumental. The bridge’s collapse not only resulted in tragic loss of life but also significantly impacted the city’s port and transportation infrastructure, highlighting the urgency of the rebuild.
Experts like Ben Schafer from Johns Hopkins University and Sameh Badie from George Washington University offer differing perspectives on how long the reconstruction might take. While Schafer suggests a more conservative estimate of five to seven years, considering the current delays in obtaining materials like air conditioning equipment, Badie is more optimistic, proposing that the project could be completed in as little as 18 months to two years. This discrepancy underscores the uncertainty and complexity of such a massive undertaking.
The disaster parallels other bridge collapses, such as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida and the Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota. The latter, rebuilt in less than 14 months, is a hopeful example of how quickly reconstruction can occur when government agencies streamline the approval process. However, the funding source for the Key Bridge’s reconstruction remains a significant question, with President Joe Biden indicating federal support, though details are yet to be finalized.
The cost of rebuilding the bridge is another concern, with estimates ranging from $400 million to over $1 billion. Factors such as design choice, material costs, and the availability of construction firms capable of undertaking such a project will heavily influence the final price tag. The decision on whether to use the old bridge’s pier foundations or to relocate the new supports further from shipping channels for safety could also significantly impact costs.
Rebuilding the Key Bridge is not just a matter of construction; it’s a complex process involving design, permitting, contracting, and construction work. Despite the urgency, the project is expected to take several years, given the extensive preparations required to ensure the new bridge is safe and durable………
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Rising Dough
Considering the significant impact of infrastructure on local economies and communities, explore how rebuilding a significant bridge like the Francis Scott Key Bridge could influence economic activity in Baltimore and the surrounding areas.
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I feel like they should take the time and money to rebuild. I say this because it was a attraction and it was a main traveling source for people. So, without now maybe that person cannot travel to their destination.
Already due to this tragic accident, the economical power of the area has most likely garnered a semi-permanent downturn due to the issue. Rebuilding the bridge would definitely allow for the activity to resurge, but considering how long the repair may take, some consequences may stay for longer than anticipated, and it may not return to the original level.
Given the significance of this bridge to the area, its collapse and costly rebuilding could have detrimental effects on the local economy. This is because there will now be difficulties in transportation which will limit the amount of new people driving into the area. On the other hand, locals to the area could also be forced to support the small and local businesses due to the fact that they’re the only ones available and reachable.
Rebuilding a significant bridge like the Francis Scott Key Bridge has the potential to positively influence economic activity in Baltimore and the surrounding areas by improving transportation infrastructure, creating jobs, attracting businesses and investment, boosting tourism and recreation, and stimulating real estate development.